HP updates MediaSmart server lineup

HP has announced it is upgrading its MediaSmart server lineup with four times the memory as last years models and more storage capacity. More importantly, though, the company has extended its reach to the Mac platform with software support for OS Xs Time Machine auto-backup feature and iTunes streaming.

Based on the Microsoft Windows Home Server platform to give you centralized access to your music and videos, the system comes standard with 2GB of DDR2 memory and is powered by a modest Intel Celeron 2.0GHz processor. Two models are available, differing only in storage capacity: the $599 ex485 comes with one 750GB, 7200 RPM SATA hard disk drive and the $749 ex487 with two of the same drives for a total of 1.5TB. Other new features include a photo-sharing tool that includes integration with several online services such as Facebook and Amazon S3 integration for online backups.

With the Windows Home Server launch last year being marred by a file corruption bug, which took Microsoft months to fix, the update is a much welcome improvement on the original MediaSmart server that should at least help in HPs goal to reach the mainstream consumer market.